Dickens & Rumi

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Teaching fantasy novels

Phyllis Jean Perry · 2003

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Teaching fantasy novels by Phyllis Jean Perry. This book is recommended for ages 8+; content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Religious themes; positive qualities include Educational value, Creativity & curiosity.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? Content-guidance estimate derived from the complete published caution profile. It does not measure reading difficulty and is not a safety guarantee; family context may differ.

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At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character1/5
  • Frightening scenes1/5
  • Religious themes1/5

Strongest positives

  • Educational value5/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Death may be mentioned when discussing fantasy plots or themes, but it is not presented as a direct, emotionally immersive event.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Religious or spiritual ideas may arise in discussion of works such as Narnia, but religion is not the guide's central subject.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

The book is a teacher's guide and lacks romantic narratives.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

It may mention frightening creatures or peril from featured novels, but the academic teaching format keeps this indirect and limited.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

The guide may discuss battles or conflict in fantasy books, but violence is analytical and not directly depicted as an unfolding story.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Facing fear and hardship is a likely literary theme in the fantasy works discussed, but courage is examined rather than directly dramatized.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Strongly encourages using fantasy to spark creative problem-solving and student imagination.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The book encourages a wide selection of literature, which may naturally include diverse voices depending on the teacher's choices.

Educational value5/5
Why this rating?

The book is explicitly designed as a teaching resource for literature and pedagogy.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

The guide likely discusses empathy, friendship, and cooperation as themes in fantasy literature, though these are not enacted in a primary narrative.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Promotes the educational value of fantasy literature in fostering critical thinking and imagination.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages professional standards for educators using literature to support student development.

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What is one new thing you learned or became curious about?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Teaching fantasy novels would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Teaching fantasy novels, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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